The rugby legend has taken up the role to support Seamab Care and Education’s plans for a new purpose-built school for the children in its care. Looking after some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children, the Kinross-shire charity provides a nurturing environment to help those who have suffered abuse and neglect in their young lives, but currently operating from an old residential property, the charity urgently needs a new school.

In his new role, Chris will take an active part in the charity’s fundraising efforts, helping to raise the £5.5 million needed to build the new school. Already backed by some of Scotland’s leading property companies who are providing expertise and services to deliver the plans, the project needs another £2.5m to see the new school become a reality.

Touched by the commitment of Seamab and its staff to the challenges they face, Chris, who trained as a PE teacher, will also support the school’s sports and outdoor activities by running rugby sessions with the children.

Chris said: “Seamab is a small charity but visiting the school you immediately understand the enormity of the role it undertakes and the need for its services. It is difficult to walk away. These kids have been through really tough times; they deserve a chance and I hope I can draw attention to the fundraising campaign and help to ensure they get the school environment they need to truly thrive.”

He added: “The staff made a deep impression on me. I was struck by their warmth, their patience and just how big a job they do, which is why I’m very happy to get involved with some of the sports activities. The staff work incredibly hard with a huge amount of effort going towards getting a moment of joy and seeing children grow and develop. When these moments come they are incredible. Then, just as in sport, it’s back to work, back to the training field.”

Chris Stewart, CEO of the property and investment company Chris Stewart Group, is the chair of Seamab.

Welcoming Chris Paterson on board, he said: “We are incredibly lucky to have Chris Paterson join us and help drive our fundraising campaign. He commands a great deal of respect both inside and outside the sports arena and he speaks extremely passionately about the work that Seamab does.

“We are all tremendously proud of the care that Seamab provides and the commitment of our supporters to build a new fit-for-purpose school for children who have had a traumatic start in life. Although we have passed the halfway point in our fundraising, there is still a significant sum to find before we can start work and I know that Chris will give the campaign an important boost.”